A ceremony was held at PAF Base Masroor to celebrate the Defence Day of Pakistan on Sunday.

The special feature of the day was a static display at PAF Base Masroor. Various PAF aircraft in addition to ground support and other auxiliary equipment were put on display. Large stalls were set up where visitors could buy calendars, souvenirs and literature pertaining to PAF.

A solo flying display by PAF Mirage aircraft was also performed, which drew the attention and admiration from the visitors present at the venue. A special parade was also held in the morning where Air Commodore Rashid Kamal, Base Commander, PAF Base Masroor, read out the Chief of Air Staff’s “Order of the Day”.

A guard mounting ceremony took place at the Mazar-e-Quaid in which a smartly turned out contingent of cadets from PAF Academy Risalpur took over guard duties at the mausoleum of the Father of the Nation to commemorate his visit to the PAF Academy 62 years ago.

Air Vice Marshal Hafeezullah, the Air Officer Commanding PAF Academy inspected the guard of honour and laid a floral wreath at the Mazar. The ceremony was keenly witnessed by numerous people including a large number of students from various PAF schools and colleges gathered at the Mazar.

Air Vice Marshal Arshad Quddus, Air Officer Commanding, Southern Air Command, was the chief guest on the occasion. He inaugurated the proceedings of the day by cutting a ribbon.

The auspicious day was observed with a renewed pledge and determination to make the air force even more stronger and potent force to face any challenge. The day started with special Dua and Qura’an Khawani for the martyrs.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Navy observed the Defence of Pakistan Day with traditional zeal and fervour. In his message on the day, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir paid rich tributes to the Shuhada and Ghazis, saying that their unprecedented sacrifices and acts of gallantry would always be remembered in the history.

The day dawned with special prayers at all naval mosques for the solidarity and integrity of the country. Qura’an Khawanis were also held for the eternal peace of martyers. Wreath laying ceremonies were held at martyrs’ memorials at Pakistan Navy Dockyard. Commander Submarines Commodore Syed Bashir Ahmed laid wreath and offered Fateha at the monument built in the memory of Submarine Ghazi at PNS Abdoze.

At Miandad Jetty, Managing Director PN Dockyard Commodore Habibur Rehman Qureshi laid wreath at the memorial built in commemoration of PN Dockyard workers who were martyred during 1971 Indo-Pak war. Inter Service wreath laying ceremony was also held at Mazar-e-Quaid.

Flag hoisting ceremonies were held at all Pakistan Navy units and establishments and Chief of Naval Staff’s “Order of the Day” was read out. Commanding officers of all units and establishments addressed special gatherings of officers and men and highlighted the significance of the day.

All ships and establishments were decorated and illuminated in traditional Navy manner. At Gwadar, a Pakistan Navy frigate was opened to general public which was visited by a large number of people from different walks of life and schoolchildren. Iftar dinner was also hosted onboard the ship for the visitors.

A bilingual declamation contest was held at Pakistan Naval Academy. Students from prestigious educational institutions from all over the country participated in the event.